Map of São Tomé and Príncipe: A Geographic Guide to the Archipelago

Before setting off, it's only natural to want a clearer picture of the map of São Tomé and Príncipe — where the two islands are, how the districts are organized, and where the places you'll visit on your trip are actually located. This short geography guide helps build that picture before you even arrive.

Two islands, one country
São Tomé and Príncipe is an archipelago made up of two main islands, separated by about 150 km of Atlantic Ocean, in the Gulf of Guinea, off the coast of Gabon. São Tomé island, the larger of the two, lies to the south and is home to the capital. Príncipe island, smaller and more isolated, lies to the north. Together, they cover just over 1,000 km², making the country the second smallest in Africa.

The six districts of São Tomé island
São Tomé island is divided into six districts: Água Grande (home to São Tomé city, the country's capital), Mé-Zóchi, Cantagalo, Caué, Lembá and Lobata. These are the districts our themed routes pass through — the Coffee Route, the Cocoa Route and the Paradise Beaches Route — each exploring a different part of the island.

Príncipe island: a region of its own
Príncipe island has its own status, as the Autonomous Region of Príncipe, with its own administration. Santo António is the island's main town, much smaller and quieter than São Tomé city. It's also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a recognition of the richness of its nature.

Pico de São Tomé and the wild interior
In the center-west of São Tomé island rises Pico de São Tomé, at 2,024 meters, surrounded by dense tropical forest, waterfalls and trails that cross old colonial roças. It's this mountainous, green interior that sets the tone for much of our excursions through the island's center.

The islets surrounding the archipelago
Beyond the two main islands, the territory includes several smaller islets — the best known is undoubtedly Ilhéu das Rolas, sitting right on the equator line and part of the most sought-after extension on our circuits. There's also Ilhéu Caroço, the Cabras Islands and, further offshore, Tinhosa Grande and Tinhosa Pequena.

Where our routes fall on the map
If you've read our article on how much does a trip to São Tomé and Príncipe cost, you know our circuit crosses the island via three main routes: the Coffee Route, through the island's center; the Cocoa Route, further north; and the Paradise Beaches Route, to the south, in the Caué district — exactly where Ilhéu das Rolas is also found.

Where the best beaches are
São Tomé's most beautiful beaches tend to be concentrated away from the city, in the island's southern and northern districts — which is why our circuits always include at least 2 nights by the sea, outside the capital. For the best time to visit them, we have a full guide on the best time to visit São Tomé and Príncipe.

How to get to this point on the map
São Tomé is about 6h30 by direct flight from Lisbon. You'll find more details in our article on flights to São Tomé and Príncipe, including how to connect on to Príncipe island.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many islands does São Tomé and Príncipe have?
Two main islands — São Tomé and Príncipe — plus several smaller islets, such as Ilhéu das Rolas.

What's the distance between São Tomé island and Príncipe island?
About 150 km of Atlantic Ocean, connected by a domestic flight.

How many districts does São Tomé and Príncipe have?
São Tomé island has six districts (Água Grande, Mé-Zóchi, Cantagalo, Caué, Lembá and Lobata), and Príncipe island forms the Autonomous Region of Príncipe.

What's the highest point in São Tomé and Príncipe?
Pico de São Tomé, at 2,024 meters, in the center-west of São Tomé island.

Now that you know where everything sits on the map, talk to us and we'll help turn this geography into a real itinerary, with everything handled from start to finish.

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